Release Detail

November 15, 2001 - Terrorism Is Most Important Problem Facing Nation,
New York Voters Tell Quinnipiac University Poll;
New York City Voters Are Most Confident In Future

Terrorism is the most important problem facing the nation today, most New York State voters
say in a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

In an open-ended question, where voters can give any answer, 55 percent of New York
voters list terrorism or war or security as the most important problem facing the U.S. today. A total of 15 percent list the economy or unemployment as the most important national problem.

Turning to New York, a total of 32 percent list economy/unemployment as the most
important problem facing the state, followed by 20 percent who list terrorism/security.

The nation's economy is "not so good," 54 percent of New Yorkers say, while 14
percent say the economy is "poor;" 29 percent say it is "good," and 1 percent say "excellent."

The state's economy is "not so good," 54 percent of voters say, while 12 percent say the
economy is "poor;" 31 percent say it is "good," and 1 percent say "excellent."

"Nationally, we worry about war and the economy. Looking closer to home, we switch
priorities and worry about the economy and war," said Maurice Carroll, director of the
Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"The national and state economy is in trouble now, voters say, and there is only tepid
optimism that it will get better. But most voters say their personal finances are in good shape. Note that New York City voters are more optimistic than upstaters and suburban voters."

Looking at their personal finances, 59 percent of New York State voters say they are
"good" while 8 percent say they are "excellent;" 25 percent say they are "not so good," and 6
percent say they are "poor."

Their personal finances will "get better" in the next year, 35 percent of voters say, while
7 percent say they will "get worse" and 55 percent say they will stay the same.

But 44 percent of New York City voters expect their finances to get better, compared to
38 percent of suburban voters and 27 percent of upstate voters.
Casino Gambling

Seventy-two percent of New York State voters say they have not been in gambling casino
in the last 12 months, while 22 percent say they've been in a casino once or twice and 6 percent
say they've been in a casino several times in the last year.

All New York State voters oppose 80 -13 percent legalized casinos in New York City
only. Opposition is consistent among upstate, suburban and city voters.

And voters oppose 66 - 30 percent having a gambling casino in their town or city.

"Most New Yorkers support the state decision to allow casino gambling on Native
American reservations. They are tepid at best about casinos elsewhere in the state and they
are adamantly opposed to allowing casinos in New York City only," Carroll said.

"And, of course, New Yorkers oppose 2 -1 having a casino near them."

From November 7 - 12, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,207 New York State
registered voters, with a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percent.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public
opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as a public service and for research.

For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu or call (203) 582-5201

24. What do you think is the most important problem facing the country today?